Description
Savory “sweet sausage bites” deliver an irresistible blend of spicy and sugary flavors that dance across hungry palates. Guests will devour these compact party snacks, which promise a perfect balance of smoky sausage and caramelized sweetness in each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) spicy hickory-smoked sausage (such as Conecuh), sliced diagonally into 1 1/2-inch-thick pieces (about 6 cups)
Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) pure cane syrup (such as Steens)
- 1/3 cup (67 grams) packed dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) ketchup
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) bourbon
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) canola oil
Seasonings and Condiments:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) spicy brown mustard
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons (7.5 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Prepare a large cast-iron skillet and heat oil over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling cooking surface.
- Carefully distribute half the sausage into the hot skillet, allowing each piece to develop a rich, golden-brown exterior while stirring intermittently.
- Transfer the perfectly browned sausage pieces onto a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon, which will help drain excess fat.
- Repeat the browning process with the remaining sausage, ensuring consistent coloration and texture.
- Collect the rendered drippings in a heatproof container and set aside for later disposal, leaving the skillet’s flavorful remnants undisturbed.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine cane syrup, brown sugar, ketchup, bourbon, spicy mustard, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce, whisking until the mixture becomes completely homogeneous.
- Pour the vibrant sauce into the skillet and elevate the heat to medium-high, allowing the liquid to reach a robust boil while stirring periodically.
- Reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and encourage sauce thickening.
- Reintroduce the browned sausage pieces into the skillet, gently coating each morsel with the glossy, caramelized sauce.
- Simmer the sausage on medium-low heat, stirring consistently to ensure even heating and complete sauce absorption.
Notes
- Opt for high-quality sausage with good fat content to ensure juicy, flavorful bites that caramelize beautifully in the sauce.
- Select a cast-iron skillet to achieve maximum flavor development and create a perfect golden-brown exterior on the sausage.
- Control heat carefully during sauce reduction to prevent burning and maintain a rich, glossy consistency that clings perfectly to the meat.
- Consider gluten-free alternatives like tamari instead of Worcestershire sauce for individuals with dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delectable bites.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg